I have a couple of devices (a FOXSAT-HDR and a barebones Panasonic BD player) connected to my Panasonic G20 series TV (2010 series Panasonic), both with HDMI. My TV is then connected to an amplifier with the fibre optic cable. However, no matter what the PVR or the BD player are outputting, the amplifier always reports it's receiving PCM. If I plug the optic cable directly into the PVR or BD player, it displays Dolby Digital where appropriate. So, my questions are:

* Is there any disadvantage to this setup? (eg potential loss in either quality or some audio channels)
* If so, is there some way I could improve it besides switching the audio cable around? I've looked at all options on the PVR and TV and cannot find a way to get the Dolby Digital to come through.

I have the 50" G 20

I think HDMI 2 is the return channel for audio ................... does your amp support this

on page 33 of manual it states that MPEG is output as PCM

AUTO: dolby digital is output as dolby digital bitstream. MPEG is output as PCM

PCM: digital output signal is fixed to PCM

have you tried adjusting SPDIF ? as on page 82

I don't think the amp has HDMI in -it's not particularly new.

whats the make and model number of amp ?

Most TV's only output lpcm stereo from their s/pdif outputs (they downmix AC3 inputs) from external audio sources. If the TV has HD tuners they should output DD from channels using DD.

You need to connect both boxes direct to the amp to use DD2.0 or 5.1 sound. If you only have 1 input you can get mechanical 3 in 1 out toslink switches. e-bay have a load.

Example

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-WAY-OPTICAL-...item2c5b576b6e

@niall: It's a Denon one that's also a DVD player - I'm not at it at the moment, so I can't check.

@grahamlthompson: Thanks, I'll consider that. It's not very convenient though - I assume the PCM output from the TV will be only stereo, however, so I don't know.

Yes stereo but will carry prologicII surround if your amp has a suitable decoder. You can buy auto powered switches but they are usually combined with hdmi switching and cost quite a bit.

Most of the all in one kit has limited external connectivity.